Head: New Technology

Mintek Pty Ltd.; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Mintek seeks to appoint a Head to lead fundamental and applied research and technology demonstration in the Pyrometallurgy Division. The role provides specialist support in development, demonstration and commercialisation of Mintek's products and services, with emphasis on equity and inclusion.

The successful candidate will drive high impact RDI programmes, oversee pilot-scale projects, mentor researchers, and build collaborations with industry and academia to sustain world-class capabilities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in pyrometallurgy research or technology development.
• Experience designing and operating pilot/industrial electric arc furnaces.
• Strong testwork planning and bespoke experimental methods.
• Leadership of multidisciplinary teams in computational engineering and process design.
• Ability to conceptualize and manage complex RDI projects from concept to market.
• Experience with thermochemical software tools and process flowsheets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Division's complete scope of work including business development and technology transfer.
• Provide strategic leadership for high impact RDI programmes and funding strategies.
• Offer technical leadership and act as key resource within the Division.
• Plan and manage pilot-scale demonstration projects and technology transfer.
• Develop and write proposals to sustain world-class RDI infrastructure.
• Provide admin support including procurement coordination for projects.
• Mentor staff and supervise postgraduate research programs.
• Build collaborations with industry and academia locally and globally.
• Assess governance and operational risks affecting the Division.

Skills

Pyrometallurgy research

Technology development

Strategic leadership

Pilot scale demonstration

Proposal writing

Industrial collaboration

Team leadership

Mentoring

RDI project management

Education

Master of Engineering (Metallurgical/Chemical/Process/Mechanical/Electrical)

PhD in Metallurgical/Chemical/Process/Mechanical/Electrical

Professional registration (added advantage)

Postgraduate supervision experience (added advantage)

Tools

HSC Chemistry

FactSage

Job description

Industry: Scientific, Research & Development

Job category: Engineering, Technical, Production and Manufacturing

Location: Randburg

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: Yes

Introduction

Mintek seeks to appoint a Head to lead fundamental and applied research and technology demonstration in the Pyrometallurgy Division. The successful candidate will provide specialist support in the development, demonstration and commercialisation of products and services developed by Mintek. Contributing to human capital development and willingness to work towards a common purpose, with a strong sense of equity and inclusion, are non-negotiable attributes of the role.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Perform the total scope of work in the Division, including business development, applied research andtechnology development, technology transfer and commercialisation.
• Provide strategic leadership in driving high impact RDI programmes, commercial projects, contractresearch and funding strategies to drive productivity and ensure the financial sustainability of the Division.
• Provide technical leadership in formulating and executing disciplinary and multi-disciplinary assignments that require integration of specialist knowledge and skills, and function as the key technical resource inthe Division.
• Providing expert and specialist support in the planning, demonstration, and managing complex pilot scale demonstration projects.
• Develop and write proposals for new R&D projects to drive the establishment and sustenance of worldclass RDI infrastructure, research programmes, and human capital capacity at Mintek.
• Providing full administrative support to the Division, including managing and coordinating procurement processes for RDI infrastructure projects.
• Contribute to human capital development through coaching and mentoring, including providing postgraduate supervision where necessary.
• Contribute to the visibility and credibility of the Division through building and sustaining long-term collaborations with industrial and academic partners, both locally and globally.
• Provide disciplinary and multi-disciplinary assessment and guidance on strategic, governance and operational risks affecting the Division.

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in pyrometallurgy research and/or technology development.
• Experience in designing and operating pilot and/or industrial scale electric arc furnaces.
• Strong pyrometallurgical testwork planning and execution capabilities, with the ability to develop bespoke experimental techniques, models and prototypes from first principles up to pilot scale demonstration.
• Track record in leading multidisciplinary teams in specialist research areas such as computational methodsin engineering and process design, refractory materials design and characterisation, and technologyand process demonstration.
• Demonstrable ability to conceptualize and manage complex RDI projects and take ideas from concept to market.
• Experience in designing pyrometallurgical processes and flowsheets using thermochemical software tools such as HSC Chemistry™ and FactSage™.
• A strong portfolio of publications in peer-reviewed ISI-rated journals.
• Demonstrated ability to attract industry and/or bilateral research funding is highly advantageous.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum Master of Engineering degree in Metallurgical/Chemical/Process/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, with a strong focus on pyrometallurgy research and/or technology development.
• A PhD in Metallurgical/Chemical/Process/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, with a strong focus on pyrometallurgy research and/or technology development is a definite advantage.
• Professional registration is an added advantage.
• Experience with postgraduate supervision is an added advantage.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Team player who enjoys variety and has a strong affinity for planning and executing new and high impactresearch.
• Passion for research, technology development, and technology transfer.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a stressful and demanding environment
• Willing to travel locally and internationally
• Prepared to work shifts in hot and dusty plant environments when required
• Ability to independently engage with industry leaders, operators and high-level international stakeholders
• Excellent writing and presentation skills